To increase convenience for British Columbians and support B.C. businesses, hotels, resorts and other overnight accommodation spots in B.C. can now deliver liquor to guests by room service 24 hours a day, provided food is also available.

Prior to this change, liquor could only be delivered by room service during the hours of operation of the hotel’s licensed establishment. Creating flexibility for places with overnight accommodations will help increase customer service for guests – a win for the tourism industry, for B.C. businesses and the consumer.

This latest change is part of government’s ongoing efforts to reduce red tape, modernize liquor laws and increase consumer convenience. This policy recognizes that a hotel room is considered a residence, and treats room service as a residential service. The licensee delivering the room service must be located in the building that offers overnight accommodation and may only deliver to registered guests – as long as their local municipality is onside.

John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Reform –

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward as we continue to implement recommendations we heard throughout the Liquor Policy Review, focused around providing more convenience for consumers, streamlining regulations for the industry, and maintaining protections for public health.”

David MacKenzie, president and chair, British Columbia Hotel Association –

“These changes mean that anyone visiting British Columbia, on a weekend get-away or traveling for business, can enjoy the convenience of a glass of their favourite wine at their hotel with a late-night snack. We are pleased to see government supporting the hospitality industry and increased consumer choice.”

Poma Dhaliwal, president, Alliance of Beverage Licensees –

“Providing licensed establishments in hotels the option of extending liquor service to 24 hours a day not only benefits our membership, but it is reflective of the common-sense policy changes we have long advocated for.”

Quick facts:

• B.C.’s Liquor Policy Review makes 73 common-sense recommendations to change B.C.’s liquor laws so that they reflect current lifestyles, encourage the growth of small businesses and the economy, address calls for consumer convenience and continue to safeguard health and public safety.
• Today’s changes implement Liquor Policy Review recommendation No. 65.
• To date, 39 of the 73 recommendations have been implemented. Work to continue implementing additional recommendations is ongoing.
• Read the full list of Liquor Policy Review recommendations:  www2.gov.bc.ca/local/haveyoursay/Docs/liquor_policy_review_report.pdf